High density fiber optic distribution frame

ABSTRACT

A high density fiber optic distribution frame includes a frame assembly, one or more left-hand connector module housings mounted on the frame assembly, one or more right-hand connector module housings mounted on the frame assembly and an Interbay Storage Unit (IBU) positioned on the frame assembly medially between the left-hand connector module housings and the right-hand connector module housings. Each connector module housing includes one or more connector modules having one or more adapters for interconnecting optical fibers between connector modules on the distribution frame or on an adjacent distribution frame in a communications network. The distribution frame is compatible with existing fiber optic connector housings, maintains the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers transitioned on the frame between connector modules, and reduces the length of a single length jumper employed on the frame. An alternative embodiment includes an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM) for routing and storing additional jumpers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/379,639, filed on Mar. 5, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No.6,853,795.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to distribution frames for use in a communicationsnetwork. More, particularly, the invention is an improved high densityfiber optic distribution frame for interconnecting optical fibers in acommunications network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Distribution frames are widely utilized, for example in a buildingcommunications network, to interconnect optical fibers. Suchdistribution frames are sometimes also referred to as “termination” or“cross-connect” frames because they include connector modules havingadapters and jumper cables or “jumpers” that extend between twoconnector modules to interconnect optical fibers terminated at adapterswithin the connector modules. The increasing demand for communicationsservices, particularly within office buildings and technology centers,requires that new distribution frames be able to interconnect a greaternumber of optical fibers. This requirement is commonly referred to as“termination density” and frames meeting the requirement are commonlyreferred to as “high density” distribution frames. Numerous high densityfiber optic distribution frames are known including the AdvancedDistribution Frame (ADF) available from Telect, Inc. of Liberty Lake,Wash., USA and the Fiber Main Distributing Frame (FMDF) available fromADC Telecommunications, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minn., USA. Suchdistribution frames are shown and described in many prior United Satespatents, including for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,050 assigned toTelect, Inc., and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,758,003, 5,717,810 and 5,497,444assigned to ADC Telecommunications, Inc.

Each of the known high density fiber optic distribution frames, however,has certain deficiencies and none provides a combination of featuresnecessary to address all of the deficiencies. For example, the knowndistribution frames are typically not compatible with existing fiberoptic hardware, commonly referred to as “legacy” hardware. Inparticular, the existing distribution frames are not compatible withlegacy connector housings, such as LGX® connector housings availablefrom American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (AT&T Corp.) of NewYork, N.Y. or LDC™ connector housings available from Coming CableSystems LLC of Hickory, N.C.

In addition, the known distribution frames do not include a frameassembly that adequately controls the bend radius of the optical fiberas the jumpers transition on the frame between connector modules.Control of the bend radius of the optical fiber is essential to preventdamage that degrades the transmission characteristics of the opticalsignal being transmitted over the optical fiber. Stated differently, theknown distribution frames include a frame assembly that exceeds theminimum bend radius of the optical fiber at some point along the path oftravel of the jumpers between connector modules.

Further, the known distribution frames do not include an Interbay FiberManager (IFM) that can be readily configured with the distribution framefor convenient storage and routing of optical fiber, while maintainingthe minimum bend radius of the optical fiber. Still further, the knowndistribution frames typically employ a single length jumper forconvenience and ease of manufacture. The length of the single lengthjumper must be long enough to extend between the connector modules thatare positioned farthest apart on the distribution frame. As a result,the majority of the jumpers are longer than necessary and the slacklengths of the jumpers must be stored on the distribution frame. Theslack lengths of the jumpers tend to accumulate, or “pile-up,” adjacentthe base of the distribution frame, thereby unnecessarily increasing thelateral and depth dimensions of the frame.

The present invention addresses each of the aforementioned deficiencies,as well as others. Accordingly, the invention provides an improved highdensity fiber optic distribution frame for interconnecting opticalfibers in a communications network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent thesame or similar parts in the various views. The drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, provide afurther understanding of the invention, illustrate various embodimentsof the invention, and, together with the description, help to fullyexplain the principles and objects thereof. More specifically:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly constructed inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1 shownwith only the lowermost connector module housings installed for purposesof greater clarity;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a right-side elevation view of the frame assembly shown inFIG. 2, the left-side elevation view being substantially similar;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the frame assemblyof FIG. 1 shown with the connector module housings removed for purposesof greater clarity;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the lower portion of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a right-side elevation view of the lower portion of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 8, the left-side elevation view beingsubstantially similar;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the lower portion of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly constructed inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention and shownwith only the lowermost connector module housings and legacy connectorhousings installed for purposes of greater clarity;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the frame assembly shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is a right-side elevation view of the frame assembly shown inFIG. 12, the left-side elevation view being substantially similar;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 12shown with the connector module housings and the legacy connectorhousings removed for purposes of greater clarity;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a frame assembly constructed inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention andshown with only the lowermost right-hand connector module housingsinstalled for purposes of greater clarity;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the frame assembly shown in FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM)constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the IFM shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a right-side elevation view of the IFM shown in FIG. 19, theleft-side elevation view being substantially similar;

FIG. 22 is a rear elevation view of the IFM shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the IFM shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the upper portion of theframe assembly of FIG. 1 shown with the connector module housingsremoved for purposes of greater clarity;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged front perspective view of the upper portion ofthe frame shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged front elevation view of the upper portion of theframe assembly shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of anupright constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged sectional view of another exemplary embodiment ofan upright constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged sectional view of yet another exemplaryembodiment of an upright constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 30 is a right front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofa left-hand connector module housing constructed in accordance with theinvention with the connector modules removed for purposes of greaterclarity;

FIG. 31 is a left front perspective view of the connector module housingshown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the connector module housing shown in FIG.30 with the cover of the uppermost connector module removed for purposesof greater clarity;

FIG. 33 is a right front perspective view of the connector modulehousing of FIG. 30 shown with one of the connector modules in theextended position and with the connector module covers removed forpurposes of greater clarity;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the connector module housing shown in FIG.33;

FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of a representative connector moduleof the connector module housing shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is a bottom perspective view of the connector module shown inFIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the connector module shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the transition box and mounting frame ofthe connector module housing shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 39 is a right front perspective view of the transition box and aportion of the mounting frame of the connector module housing shown inFIG. 30;

FIG. 40 is a right front perspective view of the transition box of theconnector module housing shown in FIG. 30 illustrating an exemplarymethod of routing and storing optical fiber according to the invention;

FIG. 41 is a right front perspective view of the transition box of theconnector module housing shown in FIG. 30 illustrating another exemplarymethod of routing and storing optical fiber according to the invention;

FIG. 42 is front elevation view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 8illustrating an exemplary method of routing ½ single length fiber opticjumpers in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged rear perspective view further illustrating themethod of FIG. 42 with certain components of the frame assembly removedfor purposes of greater clarity; and

FIG. 44 is an enlarged front perspective view further illustrating themethod of FIG. 42 with certain components of the frame assembly removedfor purposes of greater clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms, and therefore, should not be construed as being limitedto the embodiments described and shown herein. Exemplary embodiments areset forth herein so that this description will be thorough and completeand will fully convey the best mode and intended scope of the claimedinvention, while enabling those skilled in the art to make and practicethe invention without undue experimentation. Like reference numerals areutilized throughout the drawing figures to identify the same or similarparts in the embodiments shown and described. However, no particularsignificance should be afforded the reference numbers. Likewise, noparticular significance should be afforded to the relative size or scaleof the components depicted in the drawing figures, unless specificallyindicated otherwise.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary embodiment of ahigh density fiber optic distribution frame, constructed in accordancewith the invention and indicated generally at 50, is shown in FIGS.1–11. The distribution frame 50 is of the type typically utilized tointerconnect optical fibers and/or fiber optic cables within a buildingcommunications system, or network, and is commonly termed a “fiber optictermination frame” or “fiber optic distribution frame.” Examples of highdensity fiber optic distribution frames include the AdvancedDistribution Frame (ADF) available from Telect, Inc. of Liberty Lake,Wash., USA and the Fiber Main Distributing Frame (FMDF) available fromADC Telecommunications, Inc. of Eden Prairie, Minn., USA. Suchdistribution frames are shown and described in many prior United Statespatents, including for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,050 assigned toTelect, Inc. and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,758,003, 5,717,810 and 5,497,444assigned to ADC Telecommunications, Inc. Another exemplary embodiment ofa distribution frame, constructed in accordance with the invention andindicated generally at 150, is shown in FIGS. 12–15. Yet anotherexemplary embodiment of a distribution frame, constructed in accordancewith the invention and indicated generally at 250, is shown in FIGS.16–23. Details of the various embodiments are shown in the remainingFIGS. 24–44. The various embodiments shown and described herein,however, are merely illustrative of numerous configurations in which adistribution frame according to the invention may be constructed.

The distribution frame 50 shown in FIGS. 1–11 defines a firsthorizontal, or lateral, direction, a vertical, or height, direction anda second horizontal, or depth, direction is generally orthogonal to thelateral and height directions. As shown, the lateral dimension of thedistribution frame 50 is about 30 inches, the height dimension is about84 inches and the depth dimension is about 24 inches. However, thespecific directions and dimensions referred to herein are utilizedmerely for convenience of the following detailed description of theinvention and the orientation and overall size of the distribution frame50 is not intended to be limited in any manner. For example, thedistribution frame 50 could be oriented laterally and supported at eachend by vertically oriented supports, at least one of which comprisesmeans for routing optical fibers and/or fiber optic cables to and fromthe distribution frame 50. As will be readily apparent to those of skillin the art, the distribution frame 50 may be employed to terminate anddistribute any type of optical fiber or fiber optic cable, referred toherein as “optical fiber.” As used herein, the term “optical fiber”refers generically to any type of optical fiber or fiber optic cable,including bare optical fiber, jacketed optical fiber, loose-tube fiberoptic cable having one or more optical fibers, tight-buffered fiberoptic cable having one or more optical fibers, fiber optic ribbon (i.e.,ribbonized optical fiber and fiber optic cable) and fiber optic jumpersor jumper cables having one or more optical fibers. As shown anddescribed herein, the distribution frame 50 terminates connectorizedoptical fibers to fiber optic jumpers at fiber optic adapters in a knowndistribution manner commonly referred to as a “cross-connect.” However,the distribution frame 50 may be employed to terminate and distributeoptical fiber in any manner, including for example, but not by way oflimitation, mechanical or fusion splicing a bare optical fiber to anoptical fiber having a connector on the other end for distribution on apatch panel.

In FIG. 1, distribution frame 50 is shown fully populated with connectormodule housings 60, and each connector module housing 60 is shown fullypopulated with connector modules 80. In particular, distribution frame50 is populated with 6 left-hand connector module housings and 6right-hand connector module housings. Each left-hand connector modulehousing is populated with 12 left-hand connector modules and eachright-hand connector module housing is populated with 12 right-handconnector modules. The left-hand connector module housings and theright-hand connector module housings are mirror images of one another,but are otherwise identical. Similarly, the left-hand connector modulesand the right-hand connector modules are mirror images of one another,but are otherwise identical. Furthermore, each of the 6 left-handconnector module housings is identical and each of the 12 left-handconnector modules is identical. Accordingly, only a representativeleft-hand connector module housing (referred to hereinafter simply asconnector module housing 60 or housing 60) and a representativeleft-hand connector module (referred to hereinafter simply as connectormodule 80 or module 80) need be described in detail. It should beassumed, unless indicated otherwise, that the structure and features ofthe representative connector module housing 60 and the representativeconnector module 80 described herein are equally applicable to each ofthe connector module housings and connector modules disposed on thedistribution frame 50. The distribution frame 50 may be configured withany number of connector module housings 60, and each connector modulehousing may be configured with any number of connector modules 80. Inthis manner, the distribution frame 50 can be initially configured withthe minimum number of connector module housings 60 and connector modules80 necessary to accommodate the building telecommunications network.Thereafter, the distribution frame 50 may be configured with additionalconnector module housings 60 and connector modules 80 as necessary toaccommodate the growth of the building telecommunications network.Preferably, each connector module 80 is configured to house up to 12fiber optic adapters 90, as will be described in greater detailhereinafter, that each connect a pair of optical fibers. As a result,the fully populated distribution frame 50 can have up to 1728 fiberoptic adapters 90 with the capacity to interconnect and cross-connect upto 1728 pairs of optical fibers. Thus, the distribution frame 50 may bedescribed as a “high density” fiber optic distribution frame having atermination capability of up to 1728 fiber optic adapters.

As best shown in FIGS. 8–11, the distribution frame 50 comprises a frameassembly 100 on which the connector module housings 60 are mounted. InFIGS. 2–7, the distribution frame 50 is shown with only the lowermostleft-hand connector module and the lowermost right-hand connector modulefor purposes of greater clarity. The frame assembly 100 comprises a base102, at least a pair of uprights 104 depending from the base 102 and atleast one cross member 106 extending between the uprights 104.Typically, the base 102 is positioned on a horizontal surface, such asthe floor of a building, and the uprights 104 depend vertically upwardfrom the base 102. Each cross member 106 extends laterally, andpreferably horizontally, between the uprights 104 to stiffen the frameassembly 100 against lateral and torsion loads. The uprights 104 andcross members 106 are designed with sufficient strength and stiffnesssuch that the distribution frame 50 meets or exceed any industry orgovernmental seismic requirements. As shown, the frame assembly 100further comprises one or more rear troughs 108 extending laterally, andpreferably horizontally, between the uprights 104. As best seen in FIG.5, the rear troughs 108 are provided at predetermined intervals andheights above the base 102, for a purpose to be described hereinafter.The rear troughs 108 transition optical fiber, and particularly jumpers,laterally on the distribution frame 50 and between adjacent distributionframes (e.g., cross-connect). The rear troughs 108 also provide lateraland torsional stiffness in addition to that provided by the crossmembers 106. As shown, the frame assembly 100 further comprises anoptional front trough 110 located on a forward portion of the base 102.The front trough 110 extends laterally, and preferably horizontally andgenerally parallel to the rear troughs 108, to transition optical fiber,and particularly jumpers, laterally between adjacent distribution framesor between the distribution frame 50 and an Interbay Fiber Manager 320,to be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 16–23.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the base 102 is generally rectangular,but may be provided with cutouts 101 for permitting fiber optic cables(not shown) to be routed to and from the distribution frame 50. Forexample, one or more service cables may be routed from below onto thedistribution frame 50 through the cutout 101 provided on one lateralside and one or more distribution, or drop, cables may be routed off thedistribution frame 50 through the cutout 101 provided on the otherlateral side. The service cable(s) and the drop cable(s), however, aremore typically routed from above onto the distribution frame 50 betweenthe uprights 104 and the rear and sides of the connector module housings60, and specifically, on the outside of the connector module housings60, as will be described. The base 102 has numerous “lightening” holesfor reducing the weight of the frame assembly 100 without adverselyaffecting the strength and stiffness of the distribution frame 50. Asbest shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 102 has one or more lateralopenings 103 for permitting electrical cables to pass between adjacentdistribution frames. The base 102 also has an opening 105 (shown coveredby an access plate) at the front of the base 102 for accessing anelectrical outlet provided vertically beneath the front trough 110.Although not shown, a similar opening may also be provided at the rearof the base 102 for accessing an electrical outlet provided verticallybeneath the rear troughs 108. Additional openings may be providedlaterally on the base 102 as necessary to permit routing of electricalcables between the front of the base 102 and the rear of the base 102.Furthermore, the base 102 may be provided with a variety of structuralelements for attaching the base 102 of the distribution frame 50 to thebase of an adjacent distribution frame or to the base of an adjacentInterbay Fiber Manager 320, to be described hereinafter.

In FIGS. 8–11, only the lower portion of the frame assembly 100 is shownand the connector module housings 60 and the connector modules 80 areremoved for purposes of grater clarity. The connector module housings 60and the connector modules 80 are removed primarily to show thecomponents of the frame assembly 100 that are attached to the base 102between the uprights 104 and the front trough 110. In particular,left-hand and right-hand connector module housing support gussets 112are secured to the base 102, for example by threaded bolts or bywelding. As shown, the support gussets 112 are generally anvil-shaped toconform to the contours of the cutout 101 and the front trough 110.Regardless, the support gussets 112 extend upwardly from the base 102 toa height sufficient to clear the top of the front trough 110. Thesupport gussets 112 are provided with upper flanges on which left-handand right-hand connector module support rails 114 are secured, forexample by threaded bolts or by welding. The support rails 114 extendforwardly from the uprights 104 above the front trough 110 toapproximately the front edge of the base 102. As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter, each of the lowermost connector modulehousings 60 is provided with a support rail 63 that overlies thecorresponding support rail 114. The support rail 63 is secured to thesupport rail 114 (or visa versa) along the support gussets 112 so thatthe connector module housing 60 is securely mounted on the frameassembly 100. A pair of angled IBU routing hubs 140, an angled IBUrouting hub support bracket 142 and a front trough center routing guide144 are also positioned on the base 102 between the support gussets 112.The angled IBU routing hubs 140, the angled IBU routing hub supportbracket 142 and the front trough center routing guide 144 will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter.

The uprights 104 are spaced laterally and positioned rearwardly on thebase 102 so as to provide a substantially open mounting area on thedistribution frame 50 forward of the uprights 104. Thus, the base 102and the uprights 104 of the frame assembly 100 define one or more fiberconnection areas 116 forward of the uprights 104 in which the connectormodule housings 60 are located, and a fiber management area 118positioned between the uprights 104 in which lengths of optical fiber,and in particular fiber optic jumper cables (also referred to herein as“fiber optic jumpers” or “jumpers”) are routed and stored. Preferably,left-hand and right-hand fiber connection areas 116 are defined by theframe assembly 100 and the fiber management area 118 is located mediallybetween the left-hand fiber connection area and the right-hand fiberconnection area. As shown herein in FIGS. 1–11, the left-hand fiberconnection area is occupied predominantly by the left-hand connectormodule housings and the right-hand fiber connection area is occupiedpredominantly by the right-hand connector module housings. In otherembodiments of the invention contemplated, but not shown herein, theframe assembly 100 may comprise a fiber management area 118 and a singlefiber connection area 116 occupied predominantly by one or moreleft-hand connector module housings, or a fiber management area 118 anda single fiber connection area 116 occupied predominantly by one or moreright-hand connector modules. Furthermore, the fiber management area 118may be removed from the distribution frame 50 entirely and locatedremotely, or on an adjacent distribution frame.

As previously mentioned, the distribution frame 50 comprises at leastone connector module housing 60. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1–11,the fiber connection areas 116 comprise one or more left-hand connectormodules housings and one or more right-hand connector modules. Eachleft-hand connector module housing is fixedly secured to the left-handupright and each right-hand connector module housing is fixedly securedto the right-hand upright in a manner to be described hereinafter. Thefiber management area 118 comprises an Interbay Storage Unit (IBU) 120located medially between the left-hand connector module housings and theright-hand connector module housings. The IBU 120 stores lengths ofoptical fiber, and in particular fiber optic jumpers, that are routedbetween the connector modules 80. Typically, the IBU 120 stores jumpersthat are routed between a fiber optic adapter housed within one of theleft-hand connector modules and a fiber optic adapter housed within oneof the right-hand connector modules. However, the IBU 120 may also beutilized to route and store jumpers between any two left-hand connectormodules or any two right-hand connector modules, or between connectormodules 80 mounted on adjacent distribution frames.

The IBU 120 comprises a vertical member 122 (FIG. 3, FIG. 5) that issecured to the base 102 and to at least one of the cross members 106.The vertical member 122 is secured at its lower end to the base 102 andat its upper end to the uppermost cross member 106. The vertical member122 may also be secured to other cross members 106 located between thebase 102 and the uppermost cross member 106. The IBU 120 furthercomprises a plurality of horizontal IBU hubs 124 extending outwardlyfrom the vertical member 122. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1–11,there are 12 horizontal IBU hubs 124. Each of the horizontal IBU hubs124 has a predetermined radius at least along its upper surface tomaintain the minimum bend radius of the jumpers that are routed over thehorizontal IBU hub 124, as will be described. Preferably, the horizontalIBU hubs 124 are cylindrical and have a radius of at least about 1.5inches. As shown, each of the horizontal IBU hubs 124 is provided with ahub cap 126 for preventing the jumpers from sliding off the horizontalIBU hub 124 in a direction away from the vertical member 122. The hubcap 126 covers the free end of the horizontal IBU hub 124 and extendsabove the upper surface of the horizontal IBU hub 124 (e.g., FIG. 10).The hub cap 126 may be fixedly secured to the free end of the horizontalIBU hub 124. Alternatively, the hub cap 126 may be movably attached tothe horizontal IBU hub 124 to assist in the removal of jumpers from thehorizontal IBU hub 124. For example, the hub cap 126 may be verticallyslideable so that the hub cap 126 may be moved downwardly towards thebase 102 to assist in the removal of a jumper. Furthermore, the hub cap126 may be spring-loaded such that it may be temporarily displaceddownwardly to remove a jumper, but is biased upwardly away from the base102 so that the hub cap 126 automatically returns to the position shownherein. As the distribution frame 50 becomes more fully populated withterminations, a large number of jumpers will be routed between theconnector modules 80 and the IBU 120. As a result, there will be abuildup of jumpers commonly referred to in the art as “jumper pile-up.”Normally, jumper pile-up is greatest between the connector modulehousings 60 adjacent the base 102 of the distribution frame 50.Accordingly, one or more of the lower hub caps 126 may be provided withretaining fingers 128 for retaining the larger number of jumpers on thelower horizontal IBU hubs 124 of the IBU 120 and away from the connectormodule housings 60. As shown herein, the lowermost three horizontal IBUhubs 124 are each provided with a pair of retaining fingers 128 thatextend laterally outward from the hub cap 126 in the direction of theconnector module housings 60. At the same time, the retaining fingers128 are angled rearwardly in the direction of the uprights 104.Furthermore, the free ends of the retaining fingers 128 may terminate inend portions 127 that are generally parallel to the axis of thehorizontal IBU hub 124.

The frame assembly 100 farther comprises a plurality of vertical IBUrouting hubs 130 positioned between each of the fiber connection areas116 and the fiber management area 118. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.1–11, there are 6 vertical IBU routing hubs 130 equally spaced anddisposed between the IBU 120 and the left-hand connector module housingsand 6 vertical IBU routing hubs 130 equally spaced and disposed betweenthe IBU 120 and the right-hand connector module housings. Preferably,the number of vertical IBU routing hubs 130 corresponds to the number ofconnector module housings 60 of a fully populated distribution frame 50.Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1–11, there are a total of12 vertical IBU routing hubs 130. As will be described more fullyhereinafter, the vertical IBU routing hubs 130 transition optical fiber,and particularly jumpers, between the connector modules 80 and the IBU120. Each of the vertical IBU routing hubs 130 has a predeterminedradius at least along its rear surface to maintain the minimum bendradius of the jumpers that are routed around the vertical IBU routinghubs 130. Preferably, the vertical IBU routing hubs 130 are cylindricaland have a radius of at least about 1.5 inches.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the frame assembly 100 further comprises atleast one, and preferably a pair, of horizontally disposed angled IBUrouting hubs 140. As will be described more fully hereinafter, theangled IBU routing hubs 140 transition optical fiber, and particularlyjumpers, between the connector modules 80 and the IBU 120. The angledIBU routing hubs 140 are positioned adjacent the base 102 of thedistribution frame 50 with their longitudinal axes angled forwardlyrelative to the lateral direction. The angled IBU routing hubs 140 aresuspended above the base 102 in a suitable manner to permit the jumpersto be routed downwardly from the connector modules 80, around the angledIBU routing hub 140 and upwardly into the IBU 120. As shown, the angledIBU routing hubs 140 are suspended above the base 102 by an angled IBUrouting hub support bracket 142 attached to the vertical member 122 ofthe IBU 120, the inner ends of the hubs 140 and the base 102. The angledIBU routing hubs 140 are positioned and angled in this manner toalleviate jumper pile-up at the inner ends of the angled IBU routinghubs 140 beneath the lowermost horizontal IBU hub 124 as thedistribution frame 50 becomes increasingly populated with jumpers. Thejumpers naturally migrate towards the outer ends of the angled IBUrouting hubs 140 as the number of jumpers increases, thereby alleviatingjumper pile-up. A generally U-shaped front trough center radius guide144 is provided on the base 102 forwardly of the angled IBU routing hubs140 and the bracket 142 for transitioning optical fiber, andparticularly jumpers, between an adjacent distribution frame and the IBU120. Front trough lateral radius guides 145 (FIG. 8) are also providedon the base 102 beneath the support gussets 112 and support rails 114for likewise transitioning optical fiber, and particularly jumpers,between an adjacent distribution frame and the IBU 120. Both the centerradius guide 144 and the lateral radius guide 145 have a predeterminedradius, typically at least about 1.5 inches, to maintain the minimumbend radius of the jumpers that are routed into and out of the IBU 120from an adjacent distribution frame.

Another exemplary embodiment of a high density fiber optic distributionframe 150 constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS.12–15. As shown, the lateral dimension of the distribution frame 150 isabout 30 inches, the height dimension is about 84 inches and the depthdimension is about 24 inches. However, the specific directions anddimensions referred to herein are utilized merely for convenience andthe orientation and overall size of the distribution frame 150 is notintended to be limited in any manner. The distribution frame 150provides the capability to support existing fiber optic hardware,commonly referred to in the art as “legacy” fiber optic hardware, inaddition to the high density fiber optic connector modules 80 describedherein. In particular, the distribution frame 150 is configured tosupport legacy connector housings 160, such as LGX® connector housingsavailable from American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (AT&T Corp.)of New York, N.Y. or LDC™ connector housings available from CorningCable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. The distribution frame 150 issubstantially similar to the distribution frame 50, except that the IBU120 is formed in modular sections. In particular, the IBU 120 of thedistribution frame 150 is formed in substantially identically sectionssuch that the distribution frame 150 can be configured with bothconnector module housings 60 according to the invention and legacyconnector housings 160. Thus, a communications network administrator canconfigure the distribution frame 150 to continue to utilize legacy fiberoptic hardware, thereby amortizing the cost of additional connectormodule housings 60. As shown, the lower section 152 of the distributionframe 150 is populated with a single left-hand connector module housingand a single right-hand connector module housing. The remainder of thelower section 152 and the middle section 154 are left empty for futuregrowth of the communications network. The upper section 156 of thedistribution frame 150 is populated with 3 legacy connector housings 160for terminating optical fiber in a conventional manner well known tothose skilled in the art. The legacy connector housings 160 form no partof the present invention, and thus, need not be described in greaterdetail. Typically, the legacy connector housings 160 will have lesstermination density per unit of volume than the connector modulehousings 60. Accordingly, the number of optical fiber terminationspossible on the distribution frame 150 will be less than thedistribution frame 50. Nevertheless, the termination density of thedistribution frame 150 will be substantially greater than thetermination density of a fiber optic distribution frame configured withonly legacy connector housings 160 comprising conventional fiber opticadapters.

As shown in FIG. 12, the distribution frame 150 may be constructed usingthe frame assembly 100 previously described. Alternatively, thedistribution frame 150 may be constructed utilizing the frame assembly200 shown in FIG. 15. The frame assembly 200 is substantially identicalto the frame assembly 100 with the exception that the vertical member222 of the IBU 220 terminates between the middle section 154 and belowthe upper section 156. Accordingly, the horizontal IBU hubs 224 extendonly from the base 102 to the top of the middle section 154 of thedistribution frame 150. The vertical member 222 and the horizontal IBUhubs 224 do not extend into the upper section 156 of the distributionframe 150. The legacy connector housings 160 typically are designed tomount to the front of a “rack” type distribution frame, and thus, willnot be configured to mount directly onto the distribution frame 150.Accordingly, it will be necessary to provide standoff brackets 162and/or mounting brackets 164 to secure each legacy connector housing 160to the distribution frame 150. The standoff brackets 162 and mountingbrackets 164 shown in FIGS. 12–15 are merely representative and notintended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. Any suitablemeans for securing the legacy connector housings 160 to the distributionframe 150 may be utilized without departing form the intended scope ofthe invention. As shown, standoff bracket 162 is mounted to theleft-hand and right-hand uprights 104, respectively, and reversiblemounting brackets 164 are secured between the standoff brackets 162 andeach legacy connector housing 160. Preferably, the legacy connectorhousings 160 are further secured to one another to increase the strengthand stiffness of the distribution frame 150 as necessary to satisfyindustry and governmental seismic requirements.

Another embodiment of a high density fiber optic distribution frame 250constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 16–23. Asshown, the lateral dimension of the distribution frame 250 is about 42inches, the height dimension is about 84 inches and the depth dimensionis about 24 inches. However, the specific directions and dimensionsreferred to herein are utilized merely for convenience and theorientation and overall size of the distribution frame 250 is notintended to be limited in any manner. The distribution frame 250provides the capability to support lengths of optical fiber, and inparticular fiber optic jumpers, adjacent the connector module housings60 and apart from the IBU 120. The distribution frame 250 may storeadditional jumpers that are routed between connector modules 80 mountedon the distribution frame 250, or may store jumpers that are routedbetween one or more connector modules 80 of the distribution frame 250and one or more connector modules on an adjacent distribution frame.Regardless, the distribution frame 250 comprises an Interbay FiberManager (IFM) 320 that is positioned adjacent and attached to the fronttrough 110 and one or more of the rear troughs 108 of the frame assembly100. As shown, the distribution frame 250 is configured with 2right-hand connector module housings 60 and the IFM 320 mounted on theframe assembly 100. The IFM 320 is similar to the IBU 120 in that itcomprises a vertical member 322 and a plurality of horizontal IFM hubs324 extending outwardly from the vertical member 322. Each of thehorizontal IFM hubs 324 has a hub cap 326 attached to the free endthereof. Furthermore, one or more of the horizontal IFM hubs 324 isprovided with laterally extending retaining fingers 328 that terminatein end portions 327 that are generally parallel to the longitudinal axisof the horizontal IFM hub 324. Each of the horizontal IFM hubs 324 has apredetermined radius, at least along its upper surface to maintain theminimum bend radius of the jumpers that are routed over the horizontalIFM hub 324. Preferably, the horizontal IFM hubs 324 are cylindrical andhave a radius of at least about 1.5 inches.

In addition, the IFM 320 comprises a base 302, a plurality of reartrough extensions 308 adjacent to and in communication with the reartroughs 108 of frame assembly 100, and a front trough extension 310adjacent to and in communication with the front trough 110 of frameassembly 100. The rear trough extensions 308 permit lengths of opticalfiber, and in particular fiber optic jumpers, to be routed between theconnector modules 80 and the IFM 320, or between the distribution frame250 and an adjacent distribution frame. The front trough extension 310permits optical fiber, and in particular fiber optic jumpers to berouted between the connector modules 80 and the IFM 320, between the IBU120 and the IFM 320, or between the distribution frame 250 and anadjacent distribution frame. In the particular embodiment shown herein,one or more horizontal jumper routing hubs 330 are positioned on thedistribution frame 250 between the connector module housings 60 and theIFM 320. The horizontal jumper routing hubs 330 transition jumpersdirectly between the connector modules 80 and the IFM 320. The outerends of the horizontal jumper routing hubs 330 are preferably providedwith hub caps 336 similar to the hub caps 126 previously described. Eachof the horizontal jumper routing hubs 330 has a predetermined radius, atleast along its upper surface to maintain the minimum bend radius of thejumpers that are routed over the horizontal jumper routing hub 330.Preferably, the horizontal jumper routing hubs 330 are cylindrical andhave a radius of at least about 1.5 inches.

The IFM 320 further comprises at least one, and preferably a pair ofhorizontally disposed angled IFM routing hubs 340 for transitioningoptical fiber, and in particular fiber optic jumpers, between the IBU120 and the IFM 320. The angled IFM routing hubs 340 are substantiallysimilar to the angled IBU routing hubs 140 previously described exceptthe angled IFM routing hubs 340 may be shorter in length and angled moreto accommodate the more narrow width of the base 302 of the IFM 320. Theangled IFM routing hubs 340 are suspended above the base 302 of the IFM320 and the longitudinal axes of the angled IFM routing hubs 340 areangled forwardly relative to the lateral direction. The angled IFMrouting hubs 340 are suspended above the base 302 to permit the jumpersto be routed downwardly from the connector modules 80 and around thehorizontal jumper routing hubs 330, around the angled IFM routing hub340 and upwardly into the IFM 320. As shown, the angled IFM routing hubs340 are suspended above the base 302 by an angled IFM routing hubsupport bracket 342 attached to the vertical member 322 of the IFM 320,the inner ends of the IFM routing hubs 340 and the base 302. The outerends of the IFM routing hubs 340 are preferably provided with hub caps346 similar to the hub caps 126 previously described. The angled IFMrouting hubs 340 are positioned and angled in this manner to alleviatejumper pile-up at the inner ends of the angled IFM routing hubs 340beneath the lowermost horizontal IFM hub 324 as the IFM 320 of thedistribution frame 250 becomes increasingly populated with jumpers. Thejumpers naturally migrate towards the outer ends of the angled IFMrouting hubs 340 as the number of jumpers increases, thereby alleviatingjumper pile-up. At least one, and preferably a pair of front troughextension lateral radius guides 345 are provided on the base 302forwardly of the angled IFM routing hubs 340 and the bracket 342 fortransitioning optical fiber, and particularly jumpers, between the fronttrough 110 of the frame assembly 100 and the IFM 320, or between the IFM320 and an adjacent distribution frame in the communications network.The angled IFM routing hubs 340 and the lateral radius guides 345 eachhave a predetermined radius, typically at least about 1.5 inches, tomaintain the minimum bend radius of the jumpers that are routed into andout of the IFM 320.

FIGS. 24–29 illustrate the integral radius control features provided onthe frame assembly 100 of the distribution frame 50, 150, 250. Theintegral radius control features operate in conjunction with thehorizontal IBU hubs 124, the vertical IBU routing hubs 130, the angledIBU routing hubs 140, the front trough central radius guide 144, thefront trough lateral radius guides 145, the horizontal IFM hubs 324, thehorizontal jumper routing hubs 330, the angled IFM routing hubs 340 andthe front trough extension lateral radius guides 345 previouslydescribed to maintain the minimum bend radius of the optical fiberrouted, stored and terminated on the distribution frame 50, 150, 250.Optical fiber, and particularly fiber optic jumpers, exiting theconnector modules housings 60, as will be described hereinafter, andexiting the legacy connector housings 160 is transitioned onto the reartroughs 108 by transition radius guides 132 attached to the crossmembers 106 adjacent the rear troughs 108. The transition radius guides132 extend laterally between the uprights 104 and the vertical IBUrouting hubs 130 and between the vertical IBU routing hubs 130 and thevertical member 122 of the IBU 120. A rear trough radius guide 134maintains the minimum bend radius of jumpers that transition across therear troughs 108 between, for example, a connector module 80 mounted ona left-hand connector module housing and a connector module 80 mountedon a right-hand connector module housing. In particular, the rear troughradius guides 134 protect the jumpers against the sharp bend angle thatwould be encountered when the jumper passes around the vertical member122 of the IBU 120 on the rear of the distribution frame 50, 150, 250.As shown, each rear trough radius guide 134 is provided with a pair ofretaining flanges 135 for retaining the jumpers on the rear troughradius guide 134. It should be noted that the IFM 320 is provided with acorresponding rear rough extension radius guide 334 having retainingflanges 335 (FIG. 23) for maintaining the minimum bend radius of jumperstransitioning between the frame assembly 100 and the IFM 320 or betweenthe IFM 320 and an adjacent distribution frame 50, 150, 250 of thecommunications network.

The uprights 104 are likewise configured to maintain the minimum bendradius of the jumpers routed stored and terminated on the distributionframe 50, 150, 250. FIGS. 27–29 show the cross sections of alternativeconstructions for providing sufficient strength and stiffness to complywith industry and governmental seismic requirements, while maintainingthe minimum bend radius of the jumpers. Each upright 104 comprises agenerally L-shaped external mounting bracket 107 having a plurality ofthreaded holes. The mounting bracket 107 operates as one of the mountingsurfaces for mounting the connector module housings 60 on the frameassembly 100, as will be described hereinafter. Each upright 104 furthercomprises a body having a generally L-shaped outer portion 109 and acurved inner portion 111 having a radius at least equal to the minimumbend radius of the jumpers. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 27, the inner portion 111 and the outer portion 109 are formedintegrally, for example by longitudinal extrusion of a metal or plasticmaterial. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29,the inner portion 111 is mechanically attached to the outer portion, forexample by rivets or screws, or by welding. The uprights 104 in FIGS. 28and 29 further comprise a center portion 113 for increasing the strengthand stiffness of the uprights 104 that is likewise mechanically attachedto the outer portion, for example by rivets or screws, or by welding.The inner portion 111 of the uprights maintains the minimum bend radiusof jumpers transitioning between, for example, the connector modulehousings 60 or the legacy connector housings 160 and an adjacentdistribution frame of the communications network. It will readily beapparent to those of skill in the art from the description providedherein that the transition radius guide 132, the rear trough radiusguide 134, the rear trough extension radius guide 334 and the innerportions 111 of the uprights 104 each have a predetermined radius,typically about 1.5 inches.

An exemplary embodiment of a representative connector module housing 60constructed in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 30–39. Anexemplary embodiment of a representative connector module 80 mountedwithin the connector module housing 60 is shown in FIGS. 35–37. Detailsof the mounting frame 62 and the transition box 70 of the connectormodule housing 60 are best shown in FIGS. 38–39. As previouslymentioned, the connector module housing 60 shown in greater detail inFIGS. 30–39 is a left-hand connector module housing of the type shownmounted to the distribution frame 50 in FIG. 1 and to distribution frame150 in FIG. 12. A right-hand connector module housing is shown mountedto the distribution frame 250 in FIG. 16. The left-hand and right-handconnector module housings are mirror images, but otherwise identical. Asshown, the connector module housing 60 comprises a mounting frame 62, atransition box 70 and at least one connector module 80 movably mountedon the mounting frame 62 adjacent the transition box 70. The mountingframe 62 is secured to the upright 104 of the frame assembly 100, forexample by threaded bolts, and the rearward end 61 of the mounting frame62 is generally Z-shaped to conform to the outer portion 109 and theexternal mounting flange 107 of the upright 104. The mounting frame 62comprises a lower support rail 63 and an upper support rail 64. Thelower support rail 63 of the lowermost connector module housings 60 isattached to the connector module support rail 114 along the gussetsupport 112 previously described (FIG. 8). The upper support rail 64operates in the same manner as the support rail 114 to attach the lowersupport rail 63 of a successive connector module housing 60, if present,to the upper support rail 64. In this manner, each connector modulehousing 60 mounted on the distribution frame 50, 150, 250 is secured tothe gusset support 112 or to another connector module housing 60. Thesupport rails 114, 63, 64 may be attached to one another in any suitablemanner, for example by engaging threaded bolts in threaded holes 64 a(FIGS. 32 and 38). Alternatively, lower support rail 63 may be formed asa rib that is slidingly received in a channel provided on support rail114 or upper support rail 64. Similarly, support rail 114 and uppersupport rail 64 may be formed as a rib that is slidingly received in achannel provided on lower support rail 63. Regardless, the support rails114, 63, 64 increase the strength and stiffness of the distributionframe 50 150, 250 as necessary to satisfy industry and governmentalseismic requirements.

The mounting frame 62 of the connector module housing 60 furthercomprises means for movably attaching the connector modules 80 to themounting frame 62. Preferably, the connector modules 80 are rotatablyattached to the mounting frame 62 and are movable between a stowedposition, a shown in FIGS. 30–32, and a deployed position, as shown inFIGS. 33 and 34. Each connector module 80 is rotatable relative to themounting frame 62, and thus, relative to the connector module housing60, so that the connector module 80 may be moved from the stowedposition to the deployed position to access the fiber optic adapters 90mounted therein. As shown and described herein, the connector modulehousing 60 are mounted on the distribution frame 50, 150, 250 such thatthe connector modules 80 rotate inwardly about a vertical axis (i.e.,horizontally) from the stowed position to the deployed position in thedirection of the IBU 120. This configuration reduces the lateral widthof the distribution frame 50, 150, 250 and prevents interference betweenthe connector modules 80 of adjacent distribution frames in the deployedposition. However, the connector modules 80 may rotate outwardly fromthe stowed position to the deployed position, or may rotate about anangled axis without departing from the intended scope of the invention.The connector modules 80 may be rotated between the stowed and deployedpositions using any suitable means for permitting rotation relative tothe mounting frame 62 of the connector module housing 60. Preferably,however, the connector modules 80 are attached to a vertical shaft 62 a(FIG. 39) have ends rotatably mounted to the mounting frame 62 adjacentthe lower support rail 63 and the upper support rail 64.

The mounting frame 62 further comprises a cover 66 hingedly attached tothe forward end 65 of the mounting frame 62. In the closed position, thecover conceals the forward portion of the connector module 80, and inparticular, the connector module latch 95 for rotating the connectormodule 80 between the stowed position and the deployed position. In theopen position, the cover 66 provides access to the connector modulelatch 95 to permit the connector module 80 to be rotated between thestowed and deployed positions. As shown, a thumb latch 67 provided onthe cover 66 may be grasped to assist in opening the cover 66. The thumblatch 67 may be rotated, depressed or otherwise positioned to lock thecover 66 in the closed position. Furthermore, means (not shown) may beprovided for locking the thumb latch 67 to prevent unauthorized accessto the connector modules 80. The mounting frame 62 further comprises aplurality of connector module housing outer radius guides 68 and aplurality of connector module housing inner radius guides 69. Each outerradius guide 68 transitions optical fiber, for example braided tubingwith 900 micron optical fiber, jumpers, or buffered tube optical fiber,between the transition box 70 and a connector module 80, as will bedescribed hereinafter. Each inner radius guide 69 transitions opticalfiber, and particularly jumpers, between a connector module 80 and theIBU 120, as will be described hereinafter. Accordingly, there is anouter radius guide 68 and an inner radius guide 69 corresponding to eachconnector module 80 mounted on the connector module housing 60. As shownherein, the connector module housing 60 is configured with 12 connectormodules 80, 12 outer radius guides 68 and 12 inner radius guides 69. Theouter radius guides 68 and the inner radius guides 69 are rotatablymounted on the vertical shaft 66 so that the radius guides 68, 69 floatrelative to the mounting frame 62 and the corresponding connector module80. In this manner, the optical fiber or jumper is free to move withoutinducing bending stresses as the connector module 80 is rotated betweenthe stowed and deployed positions. The routing surfaces of the radiusguides 68, 69 each have a predetermined radius, typically at least about1.5 inches, to maintain the minimum bend radius of the transitioningoptical fiber or jumper.

Each connector module 80 comprises a support plate 82 and a tray 84attached to the support plate 82. The support plate 82 is made of arigid material, such as metal or reinforced plastic or composite, forproviding strength and stiffness to the connector module 80 as necessaryto meet industry and governmental seismic requirements. The supportplate 82 may have any suitable form and comprises a free end 81 having ahole for receiving a fastener to secure support plate 82 rotatably tothe vertical shaft 62 a of the mounting frame 62 of the connector modulehousing 60. The tray 84 is made of a lightweight, substantially rigidmaterial, such as molded plastic. The upper surface of the support plate82 and the tray 84 are configured to define an interior compartment 85for receiving optical fiber and jumpers transitioning through theconnector module 80. As shown, an optional slack storage hub 88 ismounted on the upper surface of the support plate 82 adjacent theentrance 83 of the connector module 80 and a plurality of fiber opticadapters 90 are mounted on an adapter panel between the sides of thetray 84 and positioned medially within the interior compartment 85 in aknown manner. The connector module 80 may further comprise one or moreoptical fiber radius guides 86 mounted on the upper surface of the tray84 for maintaining the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber enteringthe connector module 80, and one or more retaining flanges 87 forretaining the optical fiber on the slack storage hub 88. The fiber opticadapters 90 shown herein are SC type adapters available from ComingCable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. However, the fiber optic adapters 90form no part of the invention and the connector module 80 may beconfigured to house any type of adapter, including for example LC, ST,or FC, without departing from the intended scope of the invention. Theconnector modules 80 are shown herein with 12 fiber optic adapters 90,but each connector module 80 may be configured with any number ofadapters suitable to provide the particular density of terminationsrequired for the communications network.

As shown, the connector module 80 is also provided with a plurality ofjumper radius guides 92 and a jumper routing hub 94 for maintaining theminimum bend radius of the optical fiber, and particularly jumpers,exiting the connector module 80. Preferably, the number of jumper radiusguides 92 corresponds to the number of fiber optic adapters 90 mountedon the adapter panel. Furthermore, one or more retaining flanges 97 maybe provided between the jumper radius guides 92 and the exit 93 of theconnector module 80 for retaining the jumpers within the tray 84. Theconnector module 80 also comprises a connector module latch 95positioned on the outer surface of the wall 89 of the connector module80. The connector module latch 95 may be grasped to rotate the connectormodule 80 horizontally about the vertical shaft 62 a between thedeployed and stowed positions as previously described. Preferably, theconnector module latch 95 is made of a flexible material, such asplastic, so that the connector module latch 95 may engage a detentprovided on the mounting frame 62 of the connector module housing 60 tosecure the connector module 80 in the stowed position. As best shown inFIG. 36, an optional light emitting diode (LED) 98 may be provided onthe lower portion of each fiber optic adapter 90 and a correspondinglight transmitting lens 99 may be provided opposite the fiber opticadapters 90. The LEDs 98 are aligned with the lens 99 and pointedforwardly when the connector module 80 is in the stowed position or thedeployed position. The LEDs 98 may be energized to locate the fiberoptic adapter 90 for a particular termination on a particular connectormodule 80 within the communications network. Operation of the LEDs 98 inthis manner is commonly referred to in the art as a “searchlight”procedure. It should be noted that the shape and configuration of theconnector module 80, and in particular the support plate 82 and the tray84, is not limited to the shape and configuration depicted herein, andthus, should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in anymanner. Furthermore, the optical fiber radius guides 86, the slackstorage hub 88, the jumper radius guides 92 and the jumper routing hub94 each have a predetermined radius, typically at least about 1.5inches, to maintain the minimum bend radius of the transitioning opticalfiber or jumper.

The transition box 70 is attached to the mounting frame 62 adjacent therearward end 61 of the connector module housing 60. The transition box70 and the mounting frame 62 are secured together to the externalmounting flange 107 of the upright 104. The transition box 70transitions optical fiber between the communications network and theconnector modules 80 on the distribution frame 50, 150, 250. As shown,the distribution box 70 is generally L-shaped to conform to the shape ofthe rearward end 61 of the mounting frame 62 and the external mountingflange 107 of the upright 104. Cable strain relief flanges 72 areprovided on the outer wall 71 of the transition box 70 for securing acable strain relief device (not shown) to the transition box 70.Preferably, the cable strain relief flanges 72 have one or more holes 73for receiving fasteners, for example threaded bolts, to secure the cablestrain relief device to the flanges 72. In an exemplary embodiment, thecable strain relief device is a universal cable clamp with means forstrain relieving one or more fiber optic cables comprising a pluralityof optical fibers. The transition box 70 defines an interior cavity 75for routing and storing optical fiber, as will be described hereinafter.A transition box upper routing hub 74 and a transition box lower routinghub 76 are secured to the rear wall 77 or to the outer wall 71 of thetransition box 70. The upper routing hub 74 and the lower routing hub 76store and route optical fiber from the fiber optic cable stain relievedto the cable strain relief flanges 72. The optical fiber is eventuallyrouted to the appropriate outer radius guide 68 and connector module 80,as will be described hereinafter. The transition box upper routing hub74 and the transition box lower routing hub 76 each have a predeterminedradius, typically at least about 1.5 inches, to maintain the minimumbend radius of the transitioning optical fiber.

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method according to theinvention for transitioning the optical fiber between the communicationsnetwork and a representative connector module 80. As illustrated in FIG.40, a fiber optic cable 52 comprising a plurality of optical fibers 54is routed to the transition box 70 from one of the cutouts 101 providedon the frame assembly 100. As shown, the fiber optic cable 52 is routeddownwardly into the transition box 70. However, the fiber optic cable 52may be routed either upwardly or downwardly into the transition box 70depending upon preference or the requirements of the communicationsnetwork. The fiber optic cable 52 is strain relieved at the cable strainrelief flanges 72 and the outer sheath of the fiber optic cable 52 isremoved to expose the optical fibers 54. For purposes of greaterclarity, only a representative one of the optical fibers 54 is shown anddescribed. The optical fiber 54 is routed around the transition boxlower routing hub 76 and upwardly to the transition box upper routinghub 74. If desired, one or more loops of slack optical fiber 54 (oneshown) may be made and stored on the upper and lower routing hubs 74,76. Thereafter, the optical fiber 54 is routed around the upper routinghub 74 in an S-shaped travel path so that the optical fiber 54 exits theupper routing hub 74 in a downward direction. It has been found thatrouting the optical fiber 54 in the S-shaped travel path improves themanner in which the optical fiber 54 lays in the transition box 70. Theoptical fiber 54 then passes through the outer radius guide 68 of themounting frame 62 and into the entrance 83 of the appropriate connectormodule 80 (see FIG. 32).

FIG. 41 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a method accordingto the invention for transitioning the optical fiber between thecommunications network and a representative connector module 80. Asillustrated in FIG. 41, a fiber optic cable 52 comprising a plurality ofoptical fibers 54 is routed to the transition box 70 from one of thecutouts 101 provided on the frame assembly 100. As shown, the fiberoptic cable 52 is routed downwardly into the transition box 70. However,the fiber optic cable 52 may be routed either upwardly or downwardlyinto the transition box 70 depending upon preference or the requirementsof the communications network. The fiber optic cable 52 is strainrelieved at the cable strain relief flanges 72 and the outer sheath ofthe fiber optic cable 52 is removed to expose the optical fibers 54. Forpurposes of greater clarity, only a representative one of the opticalfibers 54 is shown and described. The optical fiber 54 is routed aroundthe transition box lower routing hub 76 and upwardly to the transitionbox upper routing hub 74. If desired, one or more loops of slack opticalfiber 54 (one shown) may be made and stored on the upper and lowerrouting hubs 74, 76. Thereafter, the optical fiber 54 exits the lowerrouting hub 76 in an upward direction. The optical fiber 54 then passesthrough the outer radius guide 68 of the mounting frame 62 and into theentrance 83 of the appropriate connector module 80 (see FIG. 32).

FIGS. 42–44 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method according tothe invention for improving the jumper routing between the connectormodules 80 and the IBU 120 of the distribution frame 50, 150, 250. Forsimplicity and ease of manufacture, a single length jumper 56 (FIG. 32)is typically utilized to connect optical fibers 54 from connectormodules 80 mounted in the left-hand connector module housings withoptical fibers 54 from connector modules 80 mounted in the right-handconnector modules. Accordingly, each jumper 56 must be long enough toextend between the terminations that are farthest apart on thedistribution frame 50, 150, 250. As a result, the majority of theterminations employ jumpers 56 having excess lengths of slack that mustbe stored on the IBU 120. The jumpers 56 having excess lengths of slackcontribute to jumper pile-up at the base of the IBU 120. A methodaccording to the invention permits the length of the single lengthjumper 56 to be only half as long as the conventional single lengthjumper. As shown in FIG. 42, certain of the jumpers 55 transitioningbetween a left-hand connector module housing and a right-hand connectormodule housing are routed downwardly on the IBU 120 and certain of thejumpers 57 transitioning between a left-hand connector module housingand a right-hand connector module housing are routed upwardly on the IBU120. In particular, the ½ single length jumpers 55, 57 are not firstrouted downwardly to the base 102 and around an angled IBU routing hub140. Accordingly, the angled IBU routing hubs 140 and the angled IBUrouting hub support bracket 142 can be eliminated from the frameassembly 100. Instead, the ½ single length jumpers 55, 57 are routeddirectly from one connector module housing 60 onto an appropriatehorizontal IBU hub 124 on the IBU 120 and then directly to the otherconnector module housing 60.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate the routing of representative ½ single lengthjumpers 55, 57 in greater detail. A ½ single length jumper 55 exiting aconnector module 80 of a right-hand connector module housing through theexit 93 transitions around the vertical IBU routing hub 130 (removed inFIG. 44 for purposes of greater clarity) and downwardly over thetransition radius guide 132 attached to the rear trough 108. The jumper55 is then routed downwardly parallel to the vertical member 122 of theIBU 120 to a horizontal IBU hub 124 that is located at a distancesufficient to manage the slack length of the jumper 55. The jumper 55transitions around the horizontal IBU hub 124 and is routed upwardlyparallel to the vertical member 122 of the IBU 120 to the cross member106 nearest to the connector module 80 of the left-hand connector modulehousing in which the jumper 55 will be terminated. The jumper 55transitions over the transition radius guide 132 attached to thecorresponding rear trough 108 and around the vertical IBU routing hub130 into the left-hand connector module housing through the exit 93.Similarly, a ½ single length jumper 57 exiting a connector module 80 ofa right-hand connector module housing through the exit 93 transitionsaround the vertical IBU routing hub 130 (removed in FIG. 44 for purposesof greater clarity) and upwardly over a ½ single length jumper radiusguide 138 attached to the vertical member 122 of the IBU 120. The jumper57 is then routed upwardly parallel to the vertical member 122 of theIBU 120 to a horizontal IBU hub 124 that is located at a distancesufficient to manage the slack length of the jumper 57. The jumper 57transitions around the horizontal IBU hub 124 and is routed downwardlyparallel to the vertical member 122 of the IBU 120 to the ½ singlelength jumper radius guide 138 nearest to the connector module 80 of theleft-hand connector module housing in which the jumper 57 will beterminated. The jumper 57 transitions over the ½ single length jumperradius guide 138 and around the vertical IBU routing hub 130 into theleft-hand connector module housing through the exit 93.

1. A distribution frame for interconnecting optical fiber comprising: abase; a pair of uprights depending from the base, the uprights spacedapart on the base; a first fiber connection area adjacent one of theuprights, the first fiber connection area comprising at least oneconnector module movably mounted on the distribution frame, theconnector module comprising at least one fiber optic adapter, theconnector module movable to provide access to the fiber optic adapter; asecond fiber connection area comprising at least one legacy connectorhousing mounted on the distribution frame between the uprights, thelegacy connector housing comprising at least one fiber optic adapter. 2.A distribution frame according to claim 1 wherein the first fiberconnection area further comprises at least one connector module housingmounted on the upright and wherein the at least one connector module ismounted within the connector module housing.
 3. A distribution frameaccording to claim 1 further comprising a fiber management area disposedbetween the uprights.
 4. A distribution frame according to claim 3further comprising at least one rear trough extending between theuprights for transitioning optical fiber between the first fiberconnection area and the fiber management area.
 5. A distribution frameaccording to claim 3 further comprising a front trough adjacent the basefor transitioning optical fiber between the distribution frame and anadjacent distribution frame in a communications network.
 6. Adistribution frame according to claim 3 further comprising at least onevertical routing hub for transitioning the optical fiber between thefirst fiber connection area and the fiber management area whilemaintaining the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 7. Adistribution frame according to claim 3 further comprising at least oneangled routing hub for transitioning the optical fiber between the firstfiber connection area and the fiber management area while maintainingthe minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 8. A distribution frameaccording to claim 3 further comprising an Interbay Storage Unit (IBU)depending from the base in the fiber management area, the IBU comprisinga vertical member and at least one horizontal IBU hub depending from thevertical member for storing the optical fiber while maintaining theminimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 9. A distribution frameaccording to claim 8 wherein the horizontal IBU hub has a first endattached to the vertical member and a second end opposite the first endcomprising a hub cap.
 10. A distribution frame according to claim 9wherein the hub cap is movably attached to the second end to provideaccess to the optical fiber.
 11. A distribution frame according to claim9 further comprising a pair of retaining fingers extending outward fromthe hub cap for retaining the optical fiber in the fiber managementarea.
 12. A distribution frame according to claim 3 wherein each uprightcomprises a curved inner portion for transitioning the optical fiberbetween the first fiber connection area and the fiber management areawhile maintaining the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 13. Adistribution frame according to claim 12 wherein each upright furthercomprises an outer portion for mounting the at least one connectormodule to the upright.
 14. A distribution frame according to claim 4further comprising at least one transition radius guide adjacent therear trough for transitioning the optical fiber between the first fiberconnection area and the fiber management area while maintaining theminimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 15. A distribution frameaccording to claim 3 wherein the at least one connector module of thefirst fiber connection area is movable in the direction of the fibermanagement area to access the at least one fiber optic adapter.
 16. Adistribution frame according to claim 3 wherein the at least oneconnector module of the first fiber connection area is rotatably mountedto the upright and is movable in the direction of the fiber managementarea between a stowed position wherein the at least one fiber opticadapter is not accessible and a deployed position wherein the at leastone fiber optic adapter is accessible.
 17. A distribution frameaccording to claim 1 further comprising an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM)adjacent the distribution frame, the IFM comprising a vertical memberand at least one horizontal IFM hub depending from the vertical memberfor storing the optical fiber while maintaining the minimum bend radiusof the optical fiber.
 18. A distribution frame according to claim 17further comprising at least one horizontal IFM routing hub fortransitioning the optical fiber between the first fiber connection areaand the IFM while maintaining the minimum bend radius of the opticalfiber.
 19. A distribution frame according to claim 17 further comprisingat least one angled IFM routing hub for transitioning the optical fiberbetween the first fiber connection area and the IFM while maintainingthe minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 20. A distribution frameaccording to claim 4 further comprising an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM)adjacent the distribution frame, the IFM comprising at least one reartrough in communication with the at least one rear trough of thedistribution frame for transitioning the optical fiber between thedistribution frame and the IFM.
 21. A distribution frame according toclaim 5 further comprising an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM) adjacent thedistribution frame, the IFM comprising at least one front tough incommunication with the at least one front trough of the distributionframe for transitioning the optical fiber between the distribution frameand the IFM.
 22. A distribution frame according to claim 1 furthercomprising a third fiber connection area comprising at least oneconnector module movably mounted on the distribution frame, to connectormodule comprising at least one fiber optic adapter, the connector modulemovable to provide access to the fiber optic adapter.
 23. A distributionframe for interconnecting optical fibers comprising: a base; a pair ofuprights depending from the base and spaced apart; a first fiberconnection area comprising at least one connector module movably mountedon the distribution frame, the connector module comprising at least onefiber optic adapter, the connector module movable to provide access tothe fiber optic adapter; a second fiber connection area comprising atleast one connector module movably mounted on the distribution frame,the connector module comprising at least one fiber optic adapter, theconnector module movable to provide access to the fiber optic adapter; athird fiber connection area extending between the uprights, the thirdfiber connection area comprising at least one legacy connector housingmounted on the distribution frame, the legacy connector housingcomprising at least one fiber optic adapter; and a fiber management areamedially disposed between the first fiber connection area and the secondfiber connection area.
 24. A distribution frame according to claim 23further comprising at least one rear trough extending between theuprights for transitioning optical fiber between the first fiberconnection area and the fiber management area.
 25. A distribution frameaccording to claim 23 further comprising a front trough adjacent thebase for transitioning optical fiber between the distribution frame andan adjacent distribution frame in a communications network.
 26. Adistribution frame according to claim 23 further comprising at least oneangled routing hub for transitioning the optical fiber between the firstfiber connection area and the fiber management area while maintainingthe minimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 27. A distribution frameaccording to claim 23 further comprising an Interbay Storage Unit (IBU)depending from the base in the fiber management area, the IBU comprisinga vertical member and at least one horizontal IBU hub depending from thevertical member for storing the optical fiber while maintaining theminimum bend radius of the optical fiber.
 28. A distribution frameaccording to claim 23 wherein the at least one connector module of thefirst fiber connection area is rotatably mounted to one of the uprightsand is movable in the direction of the fiber management area between astowed position wherein the at least one fiber optic adapter is notaccessible and a deployed position wherein the at least one fiber opticadapter is accessible.
 29. A distribution frame according to claim 23further comprising an Interbay Fiber Manager (IFM) adjacent thedistribution frame, the IFM comprising a vertical member and at leastone horizontal IFM hub depending from the vertical member for storingthe optical fiber while maintaining the minimum bend radius of theoptical fiber.